EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program
🏛 U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Zimbabwean organizations that administer educational advising programs. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, civil society organizations, and public or private educational institutions. Organizations must manage test fees, application support, and travel logistics for Zimbabwean students applying to U.S. higher education institutions. Administrative costs up to 10 percent of the award are permitted.
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Program description
The U.S. Embassy in Harare, through its Public Diplomacy Section, invites eligible organizations to submit applications to administer the 2026–2027 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) in Zimbabwe. This program promotes U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving Zimbabwean students and helps them overcome the up-front costs of applying to U.S. colleges and universities.
The program targets university students seeking either undergraduate or graduate study with U.S. institutions or branch campuses of U.S. colleges and universities. Participants will be selected based on criteria developed by the Public Diplomacy Section and EducationUSA advisers in Zimbabwe. The OFP selection committee will also be led by these advisers.
The successful organization (the grantee) will receive up to US $54,000 to manage the logistics of two phases of the advising and support process for the 2026–2027 cycle.
Phase One involves the grantee covering all required standardized test fees, application fees, certifications, and other approved costs for selected students to enroll to a U.S. higher education program. The grantee will also provide programmatic and logistical support to EducationUSA advisers delivering intensive advising on the U.S. application, financial aid process, online degree programs, and other U.S. accredited alternative education options. The grantee will disburse stipends to regional advisers who support these activities.
Phase Two involves managing travel and any pre-departure costs associated with successful students who gain admission and funding to U.S. programs or institutions across the globe in the 2027–2028 U.S. academic year. The grantee will also provide approved logistical support to students selected for EducationUSA online study programs.
Both phases can be implemented virtually, allowing flexible support for students across Zimbabwe. Administrative costs of up to 10 percent of the total award are allowed under this funding opportunity.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Organizational profile/background
- Statement of work or project narrative
- Detailed budget and budget narrative
- Evidence of organizational capacity and experience
- Letters of support from EducationUSA advisers or education partners
- Proof of not-for-profit or educational institution status
Program contact
- 👤 Reginah Mawere Grantor
- 📧 PublicDiplomacyGrants-ZIM@state.gov
- 📞 02428677011000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 19.022 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$570,002
-
$550,000
-
$500,000
-
$500,000
-
$425,000
-
$315,177
-
$290,000
-
$269,061
-
$268,500
-
$250,000
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 19.022). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2025 | $9,943,397 | |
| 2026 est. | $9,943,397 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and public or private educational institutions based in Zimbabwe. Applicants must have capacity to manage student advising and logistical support.
What is the award amount and timeline?
Awards range from $50,000–$54,000. The program runs for the 2026–2027 cycle, with implementation in two phases through 2027–2028.
What activities does this grant support?
Covering test and application fees for students. Providing advising support on U.S. applications and financial aid. Managing travel and pre-departure logistics for admitted students.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This is a fully funded grant with no matching requirement.
What are administrative costs?
Up to 10 percent of the total award ($5,400 maximum) can cover administrative expenses.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate experience managing educational advising or student support programs in Zimbabwe. Strong local networks strengthen competitiveness.
- Show clear capacity to handle financial logistics securely. The grantee disburses funds to students and regional advisers.
- Highlight partnerships with EducationUSA advisers. The program requires close coordination with U.S. Embassy staff and existing advisers.
- Detail your virtual delivery capabilities. Both phases can operate remotely, so explain your technology infrastructure.
- Plan realistic budgets that maximize student support. Show how you'll use the 10 percent administrative allowance efficiently while maximizing funds for students.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Unclear financial management procedures or inability to demonstrate secure fund disbursement systems. Missing evidence of existing relationships with EducationUSA advisers or local educational networks. Vague implementation plans that don't clearly distinguish Phase One and Phase Two activities.
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